Former Coca-Cola Head of Communications and Public Affairs Joins APCO
London (August 10, 2006) – Jon Chandler, former regional communications and public affairs director for Coca-Cola in Europe, joins APCO Worldwide as regional director corporate communication, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Brad Staples, chief executive officer, EMEA, announced today.
“The combination of Jon’s extensive corporate experience and his journalism background will help the team delve further into campaigns that require a multifaceted response. We find many of our clients are seeking insightful and substantive integrated corporate communications solutions to build and maintain brand reputation,” said Staples. “Jon’s experience serving at some of the biggest brands in the corporate world including Eastman Kodak and Coca-Cola, will further enhance APCO’s corporate communication capabilities.”
At Coca-Cola, Chandler was responsible for all aspects of public affairs and communication strategy and its implementation across the EMEA region, including lobbying, media relations, integrated marketing communication, incident management and internal communication. He was lead spokesperson for Coca-Cola in Europe, and advisor to corporate management on European media and public affairs issues. He developed and executed numerous international campaigns including the World Cup, Olympics, Soundwave music program and product launches.
“The opportunity to be part of the dynamic team at APCO and provide strategic advice on critical issues and communication challenges is exciting,” said Chandler. “I’ve experienced first-hand the quality of strategic council provided by APCO during my time at Coca-Cola and I am proud to be a part of this outstanding group of consultants.” Chandler previously worked for Eastman Kodak as corporate communication and public affairs director for EMEA. Chandler led public affairs projects for the region; provided counsel and coaching to the executive team; acted as the lead spokesperson for the company; re-established the corporate citizenship program with emphasis on education and health; and re-formulated and developed the public affairs offer in Brussels.
Chandler also held positions with LucasVarity plc as corporate relations manager, Perkins Group as communications director, Lucas Industries as communications manager and Central Television as business development manager.
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO was named 2006 Agency of the Year by PR Week, 2005 and 2006 European Consultancy of the Year by Public Affairs News and 2004 Public Affairs Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Clients include corporations, governments, industry associations and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO includes among its clients seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. Core services include corporate, investor and internal communication; crisis management; issue management; government relations; litigation communication; media relations; coalition building; opinion research; market entry; corporate responsibility and online communication. APCO is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
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Contact:
Cleopatra van de Winkel
+44- 07730 395 826
cvandewinkel@apco-europe.com